Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, one of the two women officers who recently addressed the media on a counter-terrorism exercise, made history as the first woman to command an Indian Army platoon in Exercise Force 18, a multinational military exercise. Her command in the global sphere is a milestone for the Indian Armed Forces and the women’s empowerment movement in the defence forces.
Family Cheers Her Achievement
Colonel Sodiya Qureshi’s achievement has sparked widespread admiration, especially from her family. Her twin sister Shyna Sunsara, mother Halima Bibi, and brother Sanjay Qureshi expressed pride in her trailblazing role and credited the government for advancing opportunities for women in uniform.
Family of Indian Army’s Col. Sofiya Qureshi joined PM @narendramodi’s roadshow in Vadodara in Gujarat. Col. Qureshi has been the spokesperson of Indian Army for #OperationSindoor against Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/87ywPlZOdZ
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 26, 2025
“PM Modi has done a lot for women’s empowerment. When your sister does something for the country, it inspires everyone. She is now the country’s sister,” said Shyna Sunsara.
Sanjay Qureshi supplemented, “A woman avenging women who were oppressed—that’s empowering. We are grateful to our defence forces and the government for this cause.”
National Support for Women in Uniform
Colonel Qureshi’s leadership of Exercise Force 18 coincides with the nation rallying behind its defence forces after Operation Sindoor, the recent Indian military campaign attacking terrorist strongholds in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi starting a two-day visit to Gujarat, women in the military are in the limelight even more. The Prime Minister will inaugurate development works amounting to more than ₹82,950 crore in Dahod, Bhuj, and Gandhinagar. People have taken to the streets in large numbers along his roadshow routes to welcome the success of Operation Sindoor and to demonstrate unflinching support towards the armed forces.
Women’s Empowerment in the Spotlight
Accomplishment of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is not only reflects her dedication but also underscores a broader shift in the Indian military’s approach to gender inclusivity. With the government’s active backing, more women are taking on leadership roles in high-stakes defence operations, both at home and abroad.
Her groundbreaking contribution to Exercise Force 18 is being viewed as a sign of progress, one that may motivate a future generation of women to serve the country in uniform.
